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Thursday, August 23, 2018

The Problem with Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Narrated by Amy Landon

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A story about friendship, survival and finding your voice.

Growing up, Mallory Dodge learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it's been four years since her nightmare ended, she's beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime. Now, after years of homeschooling, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at a public high school. But she never imagined she'd run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn't seen since childhood, on her very first day.It doesn't take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet soon it becomes apparent that she's not the only one grappling with lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider's life spiral out of control, Mallory must make a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants and the truths that need to be heard.

“The past never went away and it was not designed to do so. It would always be there, and it should be acknowledged.”

I want to start off by saying Amy Landon rocked as a narrator. Mallory has trouble speaking, and I could really feel it through Landon's words. She would pause often and struggled to voice Mallory's thoughts and feelings. I think that really honored the character Armentrout created. Mallory has a lot of issues in the beginning, but as the story progresses, we hear her speech improve as her confidence grows. Amazing job by all!

My husband and I have friends that started an adoption process when their son was still a baby, but because of all the technicalities and paperwork... he was almost four before he was able to come home with them. Books like this, that show the scary and terrible side of foster care, only solidify my feelings about adopting children out of the system.

Jennifer L. Armentrout did a wonderful job crafting characters that felt authentic and layered. It wasn't just Mallory and Rider, but all of the other secondary characters that made an appearance. No one was there as filler, even if they only showed up on a few pages. If a person was mentioned, they meant something to someone, or were vital to the overall story.

I feel like this book lasted longer than it did, but only because my hold from the library expired and I had to wait for it to become available again. I didn't have any trouble getting back into the story, but it did make it feel like I'd been listening to it for ages. (The audiobook was 10+ hours, if that helps.)

The Problem with Forever touches on a lot of really important topics. Some were harder to read about than others, but I think the author handled them all incredibly well. The foster care system has its flaws, and not all foster parents take children into their homes for the right reasons. It's an ugly truth about the world we live in, and it shapes the future of a lot of children. They are kicked out of the system once they turn eighteen or graduate from high school, and then they are expected to just make it on their own. Very few people have their lives figured out at eighteen, and even fewer are financially stable. We fail so many kids on a daily basis, and then we are surprised when they get involved with drugs or other crime-related activities. They're just trying to survive, and they're trying to do it in a world that has never cared about them.

“I learned that even monsters could have a positive impact.”

Again, I think Armentrout brings attention to a lot of these issues, and she does it in a way that gives people hope. Mallory's story was both horrible and uplifting. She's has lived through things that no child should ever experience. It has shaped the person she is today, but it will forever leave a scar. If you're looking for an authentic, honest story, this is definitely a book to consider. It will make you think about life and what it means to truly live. I felt a strong connection to all of the characters, and I really hope some of them get their own story one day.

I've been meaning to read this one for ages, so I'm glad I finally did! It was a really thought-provoking and enjoyable read. I think the author provided hope and understanding to something heavy and dark. I hope you're able to read it soon, and that you enjoy it as much as I did! <3

Intense is a good way to describe it! I felt like it was long at times, but the information was essential to the story. Mallory didn't think about things quickly, she had to process her words before finding the right ones. I think the pace of the story matched her personality really well and added to the overall effect. Yay! I'm happy it was translated into French. Have you read both versions?

Yes you're right. No, I did read it in English as a friend offered it to me before the translation. I usually only read in one language or it would be a bit too much and well of I was happy that French readers were able to discover the story, I don't like the French cover

I haven't seen the French cover, but I'll look it up later. I'm happy when any books gets translated! The more people that have access to it, the better. Begin Again is one of my favorite books, and it was originally published in German. They've just recently started translating them to English.

She's always been one of my favorite authors, but I'm really behind on her books. I also want to re-read the Lux series before The Darkest Star comes out. The Problem with Forever was very character-focused, which I enjoyed, and shows how foster care impacts the lives of children. No two experiences are the same, and even the families that take in foster kids are impacted in a big way. I think the author was able to cover a lot of heavy topics while also mixing in awesome friendships and a sweet romance.

I'm always on the lookout for JLA's books, but somehow this one slipped through the cracks. I stumbled across the audiobook and was surprised I'd missed its release last year. She has a few books coming out in 2018 -- The Darkest Star and Unchained -- and I am ALL over those!

If you haven't read anything by JLA, I would highly recommend the Lux series! It's phenomenal and otherworldly (heh).

Sounds like a really great book. That sucks that your hold expired and you had to wait to finish it though! How frustrating! I actually haven't read any of this author's books, but I have been meaning to!

It depends on your genre preferences, but I LOVED JLA's Lux series! It's one I cannot wait to read again. The Problem with Forever might be a second favorite, but it's been awhile since I've read the others. I might need a refresher... <3 JLA is one of my all-time favorite authors, so I hope you're able to read something by her soon. :)

I feel like I'm always saying this about books and authors... there are so many I want to read, but there's never enough time! I hope you're able to get to JLA soon. Her Lux series is AMAZING. This one was pretty remarkable, too. :)

I interacted with a few foster children while I was teaching, and some of their living situations are heartbreaking. Children should feel loved, wanted, and appreciated for who they are. There are a lot of foster homes that try, but usually have too many children to keep track of. Then there are those that fall through the cracks, and those that are seen as too difficult to deal with. The trauma they experience is deep and rooted into who they are, so it takes a lot of patience and understanding.

I have this on my wishlist at the library. I was a CASA volunteer several years ago & some of the situations these kids are in are terrible. So stories like this break my heart, but I'm glad to hear JLA did a good job with it.

My mother worked for CPS for most of my childhood. She was responsible for assessing situations and potentially removing children from their homes. If no other immediate family was available, they were likely placed in foster care. It was never an easy decision for her, and sometimes they were taken from one bad situation and placed in another. There are not enough social workers, and people working within the system, to do the appropriate number of check-ins and visitations. It's a really sad environment for a lot of children. If you were a volunteer, I'm sure you understand all of this. I still remember most of their names and think about them from time to time. It's hard not to.

I've always enjoyed a good contemporary, but I tend to read more fantasy myself. What would you categorize the Lux series as... fantasy or paranormal? I'm thinking the latter, but I could easily be wrong. I love, love, loved her Lux series and cannot wait for The Darkest Star. I'm thinking about doing a re-read of the series before it comes out. <3

I think it's great that this book has a story around the foster care system. You don't see that a lot. I was in foster care twice as a kid. My little brother was in foster care once. Our parents were alcoholics and drug abusers for years before getting clean. So I saw first hand as a teenager that some foster homes are good while other aren't great and group homes can be good or bad as well.

A few of the books I've been reading recently have focused on the foster care system. The Problem with Forever was YA and Forever, or a Long, Long Time by Caela Carter was MG. I think they both tell beautiful, honest, and heartbreaking stories about the foster care system and how it effects children once they get out (and the ones that stay in).

I'm sorry to hear that about your parents, and I hate that you and your brother had to experience that growing up. It's not something that anyone should have to go through. Were you able to stay with your brother, or were you separated? From the little I know, they try to keep siblings together, but I have no firsthand experience.

Yes! It's definitely something you should read/listen to sooner rather than later. I think both the author and the narrator did a beautiful job with the story. JLA writes incredible characters, and Amy Landon really bring them to life. I hope you love it as much as I did! <3